Last summer, my husband and I spent three months in the tiny town of Shell, Wyoming, population 50, at the base of the Big Horn Mountains. In our RV, we performed what is called “work-camping” at Shell Campground and Cabins. Mainly my husband worked. We gave them 20 hours a week in return for a free camping spot.
The owners, Kevin and Emily Clark, are delightful people with whom we became good friends. We still keep in touch. They have a wonderful golden doodle named Fritz. My husband and I became good friends with Fritz as well.
About this time, my editor, Cynthia Hickey, asked any author who wanted to participate to write a story where the hero and heroine meet because of a dog. A Home for Fritz was born.
Since I’m a writer, I took full advantage of the majestic Big Horns, the city of Cody, home of Buffalo Bill, and a nearby, exclusive guest ranch, The Hideout, as fodder for my story.
Living at the RV park for three months, I had lots of time to meet the locals, including the people at the dude ranch. I interviewed the wranglers, the office lady, and local ranchers. Most exciting, the owner, Peter DeCabooter, gave me a tour of the facilities, the grounds, the pastures, the barn, and wrangler quarters. So when I wrote the book, I was able to visualize every scene.
Most exciting was getting to know the owners’ adorable dog, Fritz. Since the book’s publication, Emily told me she read the entire book to Fritz, and he loved it!
I hope you enjoy Fritz’s tail, I mean tale, as well.
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An award-winning author, June Foster is a retired teacher with a BA in education and MA in counseling. Her characters find themselves in tough situations but overcome through God’s power and the Word. She writes edgy topics wrapped in a good story. To date, she’s seen seventeen contemporary romances and several short stories published. Find June online at junefoster.com.
All Brooke Cantrell wants is two weeks to live a Cinderella life at Sunlight Peaks Guest Ranch. When she falls in love with a handsome wrangler, will he discover the truth?
Garrett Bowman has finally found peace under Wyoming skies. Never again will he return to corporate life in Seattle. But will the guests recognize him from the incriminating newspaper and magazine articles eighteen months ago?
When Garrett’s dog, Fritz, is in grave danger, an intriguing guest helps him rescue his pup. As Fritz heals, he whines until he can lay his head in Brooke’s comfortable lap. Fritz has fallen in love, but so has Garrett.
If Garrett discovers Brook’s secret, will he walk away from her?
If Brooke learns Garrett’s true identify, will she turn from him like all the others?
June Foster says
Phyllis, thank you for allowing me to share Fritz’s story today. I’d love to hear from your readers today. Does anyone have a quick dog’s tale they’d like to share?
Melissa Henderson says
When I was a little girl, my Daddy and I went to the local SPCA to look for a dog. We searched and searched. Finally, we found a black long haired dachshund. She was already named Susie. We took her home and fell in love from the first moment. One day, we went to a local restaurant where there were carhops who came to the car and took our order and brought our food. We took Susie along as she loved to take car rides. When the carhop looked in our car and saw Susie, she got tears in her eyes. “Where did you get that dog?” She asked while tears flowed down her cheeks. We told her about the SPCA and she explained how Susie had been her dog. She couldn’t keep her anymore and had to take her to the shelter. She prayed Susie would find a good home. This was a blessing as she could see Susie and know she had been adopted by a good family. Animals are very important in our lives.
Phyllis Wheeler says
Oh, now you’re making me cry!
June Foster says
Melissa, that is such a sweet story! You could use the incident in your first novel! Thank you for putting a smile on my face. I’m partial to the name, as well. It’s my daughter’s.